CHANDIGARH: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the former IPL champions, suffered their fourth loss of the current season with an 18-run defeat against Punjab Kings. Chasing a massive target of 220, CSK managed to score only 201 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. After completing five matches in the 2025 season, their only win came in the opening match against the Mumbai Indians.

Chennai had a promising start to their chase, with openers Rachin Ravindra scoring 36 off 23 balls and Devon Conway contributing 69 off 49 balls. However, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed early for just 1 run off 3 balls. Shivam Dube added 42 off 27, and former captain MS Dhoni scored a quickfire 27 off 12 balls. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 9 off 5, while Vijay Shankar was not out on 2 off 2 balls.

For Punjab, Lockie Ferguson claimed two wickets, while Yash Thakur and Glenn Maxwell each picked up a wicket. Devon Conway had to retire hurt during the innings. Earlier, batting first, Punjab Kings put up an impressive total of 219 for six in 20 overs. Youngster Priyansh Arya stole the show with a stunning century, scoring 103* off just 42 balls, reaching his ton in only 39 deliveries. Shashank Singh (52* off 36) and Marco Jansen (34* off 19) also made valuable contributions.

Meanwhile, in the IPL points table, most of the former champions are struggling at the bottom. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are currently in 8th and 10th place, respectively. 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad are in 9th place, while reigning champions and three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders sit at 6th. Rajasthan Royals, champions of the inaugural season, are in 7th place. Gujarat Titans, who finished as runners-up last year, are the only former champions in the top four, currently sitting in 2nd place.